Patients' Voices of Care Encounters and Organisational Influences on Existential Suffering in Cancer Care: A Qualitative Study

INTRODUCTION: Receiving a cancer diagnosis is often experienced as a violent life turn, evoking existential suffering. To promote health and alleviate suffering, it is crucial to acknowledge and respond to patients' existential needs. However, nurses frequently lack the time and resources to address these needs, and when cancer care is reduced to merely treating the physical body, it may increase suffering and neglect the person as a whole. AIM: The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of patients' existential suffering and what they need to alleviate suffering in cancer care. METHODS: A qualitative inductive design was used. The data consisted of in-depth interviews with 10 Finnish women with cancer or cancer survivors. A qualitative content analysis was conducted. FINDINGS: The study found three themes: (1) Inner experiences and need for human connection; (2) Encounters with healthcare professionals can either cause or alleviate patients' suffering; and (3) The organisation's impact on patient suffering. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that existential suffering in cancer care is shaped not only by the illness itself but also by care encounters and organisational conditions. Fragmented care and lack of continuity may intensify suffering, whereas compassionate, person-centred encounters can alleviate it. Addressing these issues may reduce patient suffering, enhance patient safety, support healthcare professionals, and contribute to a more sustainable healthcare system.